With the advent of technological advancements, many processes are going digital. One such major shift being witnessed in the United Kingdom (UK) is the transition of physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to digital eVisas. This article provides all the essential information that BRP holders need to know about this transformation.
The UK government is progressively transitioning towards a completely digital immigration system. Consequently, physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out, replaced by online records of immigration status, known as eVisas.
The Home Office has initiated the process of notifying certain BRP holders about the necessary steps they must take prior to the expiration of their physical document on December 31, 2024. The online guidelines have also been enhanced to provide more comprehensive information for those whose BRPs are due to expire by the end of the year.
An eVisa is a digital record of one’s immigration status and the conditions of one’s permission to enter or stay in the UK. Since 2018, millions of people have received eVisas online, notably through the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Transitioning your physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.
To access your eVisa and use the Home Office’s ‘view and prove’ service, you will need to create a UKVI account.
If your BRP expires on December 31, 2024, you will need to transition your permission to an eVisa before your physical document expires. The Home Office will notify you about the necessary actions and instruct you on setting up a UKVI account and linking it to your eVisa.
If you have obtained British citizenship since your last BRP was issued, you will possess the right of abode in the UK. To prove your right to be in the UK, you can use a British citizen passport or a certificate of entitlement of right of abode.
Therefore, you will be able to use an eVisa to travel to the UK and you will not need to carry a physical document, except for your current passport, which must be registered to your UKVI account.
It is crucial to keep your UKVI account updated with your current passport details and personal information to avoid disruptions at the border.
During 2024, you should continue to carry your in-date BRP when traveling internationally until it expires.
UKVI will continually update their information on how to prove your immigration status throughout 2024. Hence, immigration status will not be affected, but action will need to be taken.
The latest information on eVisas is available on the GOV.UK website, where you can register to be notified when you can create your new digital account.
The transition from BRPs to eVisas marks a significant step in digitizing the UK’s immigration system. It’s essential for BRP holders to stay informed and take the necessary actions to ensure a smooth transition. For any further queries, please consider consulting with a certified immigration advisor.
